By Karen Ronney For fifteen-year-old Keinaan and his mother, tennis is not just a recreational sport – it’s a lifeline. Thanks to the South Bay Serves tennis program sponsored by the Teens Rise Foundation, he made his high school team as a freshman. This summer, he played in his first-ever USTA Junior Team Tennis (JTT)
By Linda Milan and Karen Ronney Annette Buck was an incredibly generous tennis advocate, organizer, leader and friend. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. She did not seek the limelight, rather preferred to shine her love and attention on others. After years of devoting herself to the sport of tennis and its
By Karen Ronney For 13-year-old Micah Velte, the tennis court isn’t just a place to play, it’s where he’s building a future. Born with Spina Bifida, Micah has spent a decade navigating the world from a wheelchair, but on the court, he isn’t just a participant. He has become a rising force. Currently ranked No. 5
By Karen Ronney For Ivan Thamma, tennis started off as a fun way to socialize with other kids at the City Heights Recreation Center in San Diego. Over a decade later, his life has come full circle and tennis has given him a foundation for a bright future… on and off the tennis court. Thamma,
By Karen Ronney Each afternoon, 12-year-old Denise Campbell faced the same challenge—finding a coach and a place to play tennis. Growing up in Riverside, Denise practiced wherever she could, hitting with family and friends on local courts. Her talent was undeniable. But when the 5 foot 9-inch left-hander needed the next level of training, opportunity
By Karen Ronney Each year, many high school tennis programs struggle to provide proper equipment and updated training for their girls’ and boys’ teams. Coaches also are in need practice balls, rackets and coaching education. The Southern California Tennis Association Foundation recently stepped up to help this tennis community by sponsoring the RSPA San Diego
What a year of transformation for SCTA Foundation scholarship and grant recipients. We are happy to share good news of their tennis growth, education and overall development. This Giving Tuesday, your support can keep our momentum going strong so we can continue to impact lives and communities through the sport of tennis. In 2025, the
Story by Steve Pratt- Story Reposted from @USTASocal You ask 15-year-old wheelchair tennis player Fernando Gallego to name his top moment or memory on the court, and there’s no pause or hesitation. Any time you get to rally with someone considered the best at his age in a sport you love, the answer is easy. It was last November
By Karen Ronney When it comes to identifying a need and finding solutions that will grow the next generation of wheelchair tennis players, T3 Tennis on Wheels has emerged at the top of the inclusive tennis heap. This nonprofit tennis organization is an adaptive sports program for kids ages 6 to 18 that offers the
By Karen Ronney It is summertime in Southern California, and let us face it, we live in one of the best places in the country to play tennis. There are a plethora of tennis courts, school is out for kids of all ages and camps are in session. Also, families have the freedom to hit
